Los Angeles, the city of dreams, glitz, and glamour, has been the backdrop for some of the most iconic TV shows in history. The sprawling metropolis, with its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture, provides a perfect setting for storytelling. Whether it’s the gritty streets of South Central or the opulent hills of Hollywood, Los Angeles has a way of becoming a character in its own right. Let’s dive into the 10 best TV shows set in Los Angeles that have captured the essence of this dynamic city.
1. Breaking Bad
Though primarily set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Breaking Bad includes key moments in Los Angeles that add depth to its gritty narrative. The show’s portrayal of crime and the drug trade is amplified by its occasional ventures into Los Angeles, showcasing the stark contrast between the glamorous and the grim. When discussing the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, Breaking Bad earns its place for these intense scenes.
2. This Is Us
This Is Us is a heartfelt drama that weaves together the lives of the Pearson family, exploring their past, present, and future with an emotional depth that resonates with viewers. Set in various locations, including Los Angeles, the show beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics, love, and loss. The city plays a significant role, particularly in the lives of Kevin and Randall, who pursue their careers and personal growth in Los Angeles.
As one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, This Is Us stands out for its authentic portrayal of human emotions and the impact of location on personal narratives. The series artfully balances the challenges and triumphs of life, making it one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
3. Euphoria
Euphoria is a groundbreaking drama that dives deep into the tumultuous lives of high school students as they navigate issues like identity, addiction, trauma, and relationships. Set against the vibrant and often gritty backdrop of Los Angeles, the show is visually stunning, using the city’s dynamic energy to reflect the emotional intensity of its characters.
The series is unapologetically raw, offering a candid exploration of the struggles faced by modern youth. As one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, Euphoria uses the city’s diverse landscape to enhance its storytelling, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with viewers. The show’s ability to portray the stark realities of adolescence, while set in the iconic neighborhoods of LA, solidifies its place among the best TV shows set in Los Angeles.
4. Lucifer
Lucifer is a captivating fantasy drama that follows the devil, Lucifer Morningstar, as he abandons his throne in Hell to run a nightclub in Los Angeles and become a civilian consultant for the LAPD. The show cleverly blends supernatural elements with crime-solving, all set against the glamorous and enigmatic backdrop of LA. The city’s diverse and vibrant nature perfectly complements Lucifer’s own complex character, making it an integral part of the story.
As one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, Lucifer uses the city’s iconic locations and atmosphere to enhance its blend of humor, drama, and mystery. The series not only explores the allure of Los Angeles but also delves into themes of redemption, identity, and morality, solidifying its place as one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles.
5. Fear the Walking Dead
Fear the Walking Dead is a gripping prequel to the popular series The Walking Dead, taking viewers back to the early days of the zombie apocalypse. Set in Los Angeles, the show captures the chaos and breakdown of society as the undead begin to overrun the city. The sprawling, diverse landscape of LA serves as a haunting backdrop, emphasizing the stark contrast between the city’s once-thriving neighborhoods and their rapid descent into a dystopian nightmare.
As one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, Fear the Walking Dead effectively uses the city’s iconic locations to ground its apocalyptic narrative, making the unfolding horror feel both relatable and terrifying. The show delves into the human psyche, exploring how ordinary people adapt, survive, and sometimes succumb to the madness surrounding them, solidifying its status as one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles.
6. S.W.A.T.
S.W.A.T. is an action-packed drama that follows a specialized police tactical unit as they tackle high-stakes crimes across Los Angeles. Led by Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, the team operates at the front lines, dealing with everything from hostage rescues to combating organized crime, all while navigating the complex social issues that arise in the diverse neighborhoods of LA.
The city itself is more than just a backdrop; it’s an essential element that adds authenticity and urgency to the show’s intense, adrenaline-fueled storylines. As one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, S.W.A.T. captures the city’s pulse, showcasing its vibrant yet volatile nature through fast-paced action sequences and emotionally charged moments. The series not only highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement but also delves into the personal lives of the team members, making it one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles that combines action with compelling character development.
7. The Shield
The Shield is a gritty, hard-hitting drama that revolutionized the crime genre with its unflinching portrayal of corruption within the police force. Set in the fictional Farmington district of Los Angeles, the show follows Detective Vic Mackey and his morally ambiguous Strike Team as they navigate the dangerous underworld of crime, often blurring the lines between right and wrong. Los Angeles, with its diverse and volatile neighborhoods, serves as the perfect backdrop for the intense and often brutal storylines that unfold.
As one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, The Shield delves deep into the complexities of law enforcement in a city where the battle between justice and corruption is constantly waged. The show’s raw, realistic depiction of the darker side of police work, combined with its powerful character development, makes it one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, offering a stark look at the lengths people will go to in order to survive in the city’s unforgiving landscape.
8. L.A. Law
An older classic, L.A. Law was a trailblazer in the legal drama genre. Set in a prestigious Los Angeles law firm, the show tackled various social issues through its cases while giving viewers a glimpse into the legal world of the city. This series is undoubtedly one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, as it helped pave the way for many legal dramas that followed.
9. Bosch
Based on the best-selling novels by Michael Connelly, Bosch follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he solves complex cases in the City of Angels. The show is deeply rooted in Los Angeles, with its detailed depiction of the city’s geography and culture. For fans of crime and mystery, Bosch stands out as one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles, offering a gripping narrative that’s as much about the city as it is about solving crimes.
10. Adam Devine’s House Party
Adam Devine’s House Party is a unique blend of stand-up comedy and scripted chaos, hosted by the energetic and hilarious Adam Devine. The show takes the concept of a house party to the next level, inviting viewers into a wild and unpredictable world where anything can happen. While not always set in Los Angeles, the show often captures the carefree, adventurous spirit that the city is known for.
The mix of comedy, party antics, and guest appearances from rising comedians make it one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles for those looking for a good laugh and an escape from the ordinary. The show’s format, which seamlessly blends live performances with off-the-wall sketches, offers a refreshing take on the comedy genre, making Adam Devine’s House Party one of the best TV shows set in Los Angeles that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet delivers plenty of entertainment.
Los Angeles isn’t just a setting in these shows; it’s a vital part of the storytelling, influencing the characters and narratives in profound ways. Whether you’re drawn to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the gritty reality of crime dramas, or the authentic portrayal of life in the city, these are the best TV shows set in Los Angeles that you shouldn’t miss. So, the next time you’re looking for something to watch, dive into one of these series and experience the many facets of Los Angeles from the comfort of your home.
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